We’ve all seen it.
A shiny luxury car pulls up, and suddenly the whole room takes notice.
A person walks into a party with a designer bag, and the compliments pour in before anyone even asks, “So, what do you do?”
Somehow, in our culture, flash often speaks louder than substance. And it’s time we talk about why.
The Cultural Backstory
Filipinos value presentability. We were raised to “look decent” before leaving the house, to be maayos tingnan for every occasion. This comes from a good place — wanting to put our best foot forward.
But somewhere along the way, it evolved into a deeper belief: that status can be seen before it’s proven. A clean character record and years of hard work don’t catch as much attention as a gleaming watch or a trending sneaker brand. If you want to balance style with substance, investing in timeless, durable pieces like this minimalist leather wallet can be both practical and classy.
Colonial Influence & Social Aspiration
Centuries of colonization ingrained in us that imported = better, expensive = superior. That’s why a foreign brand often holds more appeal than a hardworking local entrepreneur’s product.
In a country where social mobility can be slow, flashy possessions can feel like a shortcut to respect. People think, “If I can’t explain my achievements, I can show them.”
The Social Media Effect
Let’s be honest — Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook aren’t exactly reward systems for quiet hard work.
You don’t see a viral post about someone staying up late to finish their thesis, but you will see a thousand likes on a photo of a beach trip with luxury shades and a #blessed caption. If you want to break that cycle in your own life, reading The Psychology of Money can help shift your mindset from chasing appearances to building lasting value.
The Problem With This Mindset
When we celebrate material display over character and effort:
- We fuel a culture of debt for appearances (utang para may maipakita).
- We give influence and credibility to those with money — not necessarily wisdom or integrity.
- We discourage young people from valuing patience, grit, and skill-building.
What We Can Do to Shift the Culture
- Compliment Substance First
Instead of “Ang ganda ng bag mo,” try “I admire your dedication at work.” - Be Curious Beyond the Surface
Ask about someone’s passions, journey, and struggles — not just what they own. - Celebrate Achievements, Not Just Purchases
A friend starting a small business? Share it online. A co-worker getting promoted? Treat them to coffee. Or better yet, gift them a professional journal to celebrate their growth. - Teach the Next Generation
Show kids that values and skills outlast trends. Give them books and experiences, not just toys — like Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens to spark financial wisdom early. - Support Local, Support Effort
Every time we choose to buy from hardworking entrepreneurs instead of chasing brand prestige, we tell a bigger story about what we value as a nation.
Final Thought
Material things fade. Designer labels lose their shine. But a person’s integrity, resilience, and hard work? Those grow more valuable over time.
We can still enjoy nice things — but let’s not be so easily impressed by them. Let’s start being just as quick to admire the people who build quietly, serve faithfully, and live honestly.
Because a truly rich nation isn’t measured by luxury malls — but by the character of its people.